By Mariko Sanchanta and Miho Inada

Yep – Japan’s northernmost island, famed for its snow, skiing and seafood, has attracted hordes of Asian investors this year. Ben Cha, the CEO of HKR Japan, the local arm of HKR International, a Hong Kong-based real estate developer, bought a block of apartments in Hokkaido earlier this year. His rationale: Hokkaido is the only true winter resort destination in all of Asia. There’s plenty of sand and surf elsewhere, but only one snowy locale for great skiing.